I WAS (NOT) PRESENT
An Essay by Franko B inspired by the Marina Abramović performance, The Artist is Present (2010).
I Was (Not) Present
The
artist (as a construct/persona) was present, but the person was not.
Can
the artist be present?
And
what does performance have to do with it?
Is
it performance, or merely spectacle?
Can
one teach presence?
Or:
how to make a performance?
Preface
It
was a Sunday morning in London on an August day in 2013, and I kept thinking
about Marina Abramović’s performance, The Artist is Present. On and off,
this event has being following me. Maybe, in my mind there are obvious reasons
why.
This
work has met a strong media interest (reviews, documentaries, etc.), and after
three years it still apparently inspires artists like Jay Z and Lady Gaga. What
follows here is my understanding and personal critique of the concept/idea of being
present, expanding on my personal thoughts regarding the performance, The
artist is present, which Marina Abramović originally performed at MOMA (Museum
Of Modern Art) in New York in 2010.
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